A chaotic display from the visitors saw them fall behind to Zoltan Gera’s wonderful strike before they conceded two penalties in five minutes in the second half.

The first, awarded after Agger had fouled Shane Long, prompting the defender’s dismissal, was saved by Pepe Reina, but the second, given for a foul on Long by Martin Skrtel, was converted by Peter Odemwingie.

Romelu Lukaku added a third to seal a first win in charge at West Brom for Steve Clarke – Kenny Dalglish’s assistant at Anfield last season – and underline the scale of the task facing Rodgers, although the man himself claimed the performance of referee Phil Dowd was the decisive factor.

“I’m not going to go on about the referee, but I thought the two penalty decisions were very harsh,” he said. “I don’t think either was a penalty and Martin Skrtel doesn’t even connect for the second one.

“With the first one, Long’s pace has got him there. There is slight contact but I know Long well, how big and strong he is, and it was very harsh. With 10 men and then chasing the game, it’s difficult.”

Rodgers admitted Liverpool may consider appealing Agger’s red card, saying: “It is something we will look at. It was very harsh.”

Rodgers’ terrible day was compounded by Michael Laudrup, the man who succeeded him at Swansea, beginning his own tenure with a remarkable 5-0 victory at Queens Park Rangers.

“That was impressive,” the Dane said. “Winning the first game in my debut – and also the team’s first in their second season in the Premier – away and 5-0. I don’t think anyone could’ve dreamed about that.”

The rest of the Premier League’s new managers suffered disappointing starts to their new careers. Chris Hughton, who took charge at Norwich following the departure of Paul Lambert to Aston Villa, suffered a chastening 5-0 defeat at Fulham, while Lambert saw his new charges beaten 1-0 at West Ham.

Andre Villas-Boas, back in the Premier League at Tottenham following his unhappy spell at Chelsea, watched his side lose 2-1 at Newcastle in the late kick-off.